PILLAR · INTERVIEW DAY
Interview day preparation
The naturalization interview is one in-person meeting at your local USCIS field office. The officer reviews your N-400, administers the English test (speaking + reading + writing), and administers the civics test. Most interviews take 30 to 60 minutes.
What to bring
Your interview appointment notice
Form I-797C, Notice of Action, with your interview date, time, and field-office address.
Your Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
The original card. If lost, bring a copy of Form I-90 showing the replacement application.
Government-issued photo ID
Driver's license, state ID, or passport from your country of origin if you don't have a U.S. ID.
All passports — current and expired
The officer may ask about international travel since you became a permanent resident.
Tax documentation (last 3–5 years)
Federal tax transcripts or returns covering your continuous residence period. The officer may ask about tax compliance.
Documents supporting your N-400 answers
Marriage certificate, divorce decrees, court records, selective service registration, anything that supports answers you gave on the form.
The English test (three parts)
Speaking: Your ability to speak and understand English will be determined by a USCIS officer during your eligibility interview on Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. Reading: You must read aloud one out of three sentences correctly to demonstrate an ability to read in English. Writing: You must write one out of three sentences correctly to demonstrate an ability to write in English.The civics test
The civics test is an oral test. The version (2008 or 2025) and the number of questions asked depend on when you filed your N-400. If you are 65 years old or older AND have been a lawful permanent resident for 20 years or more, you take a 20-question senior subset and may take the test in your language of choice.
If you don't pass on the first try
You receive two attempts. If you fail any portion at the initial interview, USCIS schedules a re-test on the failed portion (English or civics). Per 8 CFR §335.3(b), the second test cannot be scheduled less than 60 days after the first; per 8 CFR §312.5(a), the reexamination must occur within 90 days. Together these set a 60-90 day window, which USCIS also publishes on its interview-and-test page.